Indonesia’s trade relationship with Egypt reached a record high in 2025, with exports valued at $1.59 billion in the first ten months of the year, according to Statistics Indonesia. The milestone positions Egypt as Indonesia’s largest export destination in Africa and its third-largest market in the Middle East, underscoring the deepening economic partnership between Southeast Asia’s largest economy and one of Africa’s most populous nations.
Strong Growth in Bilateral Trade
Overall trade between Indonesia and Egypt expanded by 37.16 percent year-on-year as of October 2025, with Indonesia maintaining a robust trade surplus of $1.23 billion. The two countries have recorded positive trade growth for five consecutive years, averaging nearly six percent annually, reflecting resilience and consistency in their commercial ties.
Indonesia’s ambassador to Egypt, Lutfi Rauf, described the export performance as evidence of Egypt’s growing importance in Indonesia’s Africa strategy. “Indonesian exports value to Egypt reaches $1.59 billion, making it the largest in Africa,” he said during a visit to Al Shorouk Company for Import and Export Plantation in Menofia Province.
Expanding Product Range
Indonesian exports to Egypt rose by 25.20 percent year-on-year between January and October 2025. Key products include palm oil and its derivatives, coffee, coconut-based goods, yarn, paper, cocoa powder, footwear, steel, cocoa fat, and spices such as nutmeg and cloves. Trade attaché M. Syahran Bhakti noted that about 360 Indonesian products are now available in the Egyptian market.
Egyptian exports to Indonesia also grew significantly, surging by 139 percent from a smaller base. Products shipped to Indonesia include phosphate, potatoes, molasses, dates, asphalt, citrus, fertiliser, grains, and telecommunications devices. Currently, about 84 Egyptian product items are circulating in Indonesia.
Opportunities in Agribusiness and Beyond
Industry leaders see further room for collaboration, particularly in agribusiness. Eng. Shaaban Hashad, chief executive of Al Shorouk Company, welcomed Indonesia’s push to strengthen trade ties and expressed interest in partnerships with Indonesian fruit importers. Such initiatives could expand agricultural trade links and diversify the range of goods exchanged between the two countries.
Outlook
The latest figures highlight Egypt’s emergence as a central hub for Indonesian exports in Africa. With bilateral trade continuing to grow and both sides expanding their product portfolios, the Indonesia–Egypt relationship is poised to become a cornerstone of Southeast Asia–Africa economic cooperation. For Indonesia, Egypt offers a gateway to broader African markets, while for Egypt, the partnership provides access to a diverse range of consumer and industrial goods.